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Snakebite Envenomation
GMJ News knowledge hub · last reviewed August 2026 · Georgian Medical Journal
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Snakebite envenomation kills an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 people every year — and causes permanent disability in up to 400,000 more through limb amputations, organ failure and neurological damage — making it one of the world's most lethal neglected tropical diseases, affecting primarily agricultural workers and children in rural South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (WHO). Despite this enormous burden, antivenom — the only specific treatment — is unavailable, unaffordable or ineffective against local species in most endemic areas. WHO's Snakebite Envenomation Strategy targets a 50% reduction in snakebite deaths and disabilities by 2030.
Key messages
138,000 deaths per year
Snakebite envenomation kills an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 people per year — predominantly rural agricultural workers and children in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa — and leaves approximately 400,000 with permanent disability (WHO).
WHO NTD priority
Added to the WHO Neglected Tropical Diseases list in 2017, snakebite is now a formal global health priority — with WHO's Snakebite Envenomation Strategy targeting a 50% reduction in deaths and disabilities by 2030.
Antivenom access crisis
Antivenom — the only specific treatment for envenomation — is frequently unavailable, unaffordable, inappropriate for local snake species, or of poor quality in most endemic settings. The antivenom access gap is the central challenge of snakebite control.
5.4 million bites per year
Approximately 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year, of whom approximately 2.7 million are envenomed. Envenomation causes tissue necrosis, coagulopathy, neurotoxicity and organ failure depending on the snake species.
Agricultural workers and children
The highest-risk groups are agricultural workers (bitten while farming or harvesting), children (playing outdoors), and people sleeping on the ground. Snakebite is a disease of rural poverty — predominantly affecting people without healthcare access.
One Health approach
Snakebite prevention integrates animal (snake ecology), human behaviour (rubber boots, avoiding sleeping on ground, using a torch at night) and environmental (habitat management) strategies.
Key statistics
Estimated snakebite deaths by region per year (thousands) — WHO
Source: WHO estimates. South Asia leads; Sub-Saharan Africa has second largest burden.
Glossary of key terms
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